It is far-fetched to have Harm an XO of an aircraft carrier even though he is a Captain an Naval Aviator. He was mostly a JAG, which is one United States Navy staff corps and US aircraft carrier captains and XOs are always Naval Aviators by law. In True Callings (1999), his CAG told him he would never progress as a Naval Aviator given his short flight hours and little combat action. Harm spent the next five years as a JAG until Fair Winds and Following Seas (2005). To revert as a Naval Aviator from such a senior rank and age would usually be rejected or asked to stay in the staff corps. To reach XO, Harm would have been Squadron XO, Squadron CO, serving in joint commands and deputy CAG and CAG in cumulative commissioned service as an unrestricted line officer. The last two positions are at Captain rank.